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SALT LAKE CITY -- A judge gave Wanda Barzee's defense attorney one more month to tie up loose ends before moving forward with the state case against the federally convicted Elizabeth Smart kidnapper.
Defense attorney Scott Williams told the judge Wednesday he needed the additional month because of delays that took place during the holidays. He said he was in the final stages of reviewing a report from the state hospital that says Barzee is competent to face state charges.
"I don't anticipate a challenge to it because my consultations so far have led me to believe that the report is probably going to accurately reflect the circumstance," said Williams.
Barzee pleaded guilty to kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor in federal court in November. As part of the plea deal that took place then, Barzee is expected to also plead guilty to kidnapping and other charges in state court.
Both the prosecution and the defense declined to comment on what any plea agreement might look like, other than to say they are working toward a resolution of the case.
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
